The Rugged and Rustic Charm of Catanduanes

The placid Bato River

An island facing the mighty Pacific Ocean. A destination oft heard but seldom visited. A place where the resilience of the people is mixed with warmth and smiles. A gem beautifully molded by the harsh and wailing winds fronting east of the Philippines. A place I call my home.

Welcome to our province – Catanduanes!

This island province is one of the six provinces in the Bicol Region. Its capital town, Virac, is the center of commerce and the jump-off point to the other 10 municipalities in the island. The other municipalities are: Bato, Baras, Gigmoto, San Miguel, Panganiban (Payo), Bagamanoc, Caramoran, Viga, Pandan and San Andres.

If you want an off-the-beaten track type of vacation, Catanduanes is definitely a great choice. One of the things to consider when planning a trip there is the weather. With its geographic location in the Pacific, the weather in the island can be unforgiving especially from October to early January (which may cause delays or cancellation of flights or ferry boats). February until June is the best time to visit as the season becomes dry and there is a huge chance of a clear blue sky. If you're up to surfing, the most ideal time to chase the waves of Puraran is starting the fourth quarter of the year.

Okay, so before heading to our province, here are some words/phrases that will be useful while going around or talking to the locals.

Magayon – Beautiful

Para tabi- Pull over please

Dios mabalos - Thank you

Tigpila tabi ini? –How much is this?

Dios mayad na aldaw – Good day

Cruising along Bato River

There are a lot of activities that could be done on your visit to Catanduanes. Here are some:

Visita Iglesia – Catandunganons are predominantly Catholic, and it's no surprise that in almost every corner in almost every village, there is a small chapel. It is a province where patron saints' days or fiestas are celebrated big time – a time for “balikbayans” from Manila and abroad go home to attend the festivities. We really love fiestas. 

If you're planning a trip, church-hopping is something not to be missed. Foremost in the list is the historical and beautiful church in the town of Bato (St. John the Baptist Church). Close to Bato Church, you can also visit the Batalay Church (also known as Batalay Shrine) – said to be the place where the first cross in Catanduanes was planted. History has it that this is where Agustinian priest Fray Diego de Herrera died. On the same spot, a spring sprouted which is believed by the locals to have healing powers.

Bato Church

At Barangay Batong Paloway, a few kilometers from the town proper of San Andres, is where the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, beautifully etched on a stone, is displayed. The miraculous image on the stone is believed to have increased as time passed by and as of today, one can see it with bare eyes unlike before where devotees have had to use magnifying glass when viewing it. 

The miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows in Batong Paloway, San Andres

Other churches that can be visited in island are: Virac Cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption, Saint Andrew Church in San Andres, and Saint James the Great Parish.

Virac Cathedral

Surf – The town of Baras, about 26 kilometers away from Virac, is fast becoming the face of tourism in Catanduanes. It is the location of the “majestic waves,” a surfing spot known locally as Puraran Beach. To get there, take one and a half hours jeep or bus ride going to Baras (P45 fare). From the town proper, you may opt to hire a tricycle going to Puraran beach (P150/tricycle). Once in Puraran, head up to the beach and pay P10 for entrance. Cottages are available for a day and overnight rent near the beach. For a certain fee, there are also surfing lessons available for beginners.

Contact: Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Brgy. Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes

(+63) 919-678-5895, info@puraransurf.com

Puraran's Majectic Waves
Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Waterfalls – Catanduanes is home to three vibrant cascades. Take a refreshing dip and enjoy a weekend picnic at Maribina Falls in Bato, and Dororian Falls and Nahulugan Falls in Gigmoto.

Maribina Falls, Bato

Beaches- A great Catanduanes experience will never be complete without spending a day lounging in its golden and cream sand beaches. For those wanting to catch a good sunset with a nice view of Mayon Volcano (on a clear day), visit the beaches in Marilima, Balite, Mamangal, Kosta Alcantara, Amenia. These beaches are about one hour tricycle ride from Virac town proper. The other popular beaches are Twin Rock Beach Resort in Igang, Virac and Puraran Surf Beach Resort in Puraran, Baras.

Mayon Volcano as seen from Mamangal Beach in Virac

Mamangal Beach, Virac

Marilima Beach, Virac

Puraran Beach, Baras
Photo Credit: Puraran Surf Beach Resort

If you decide to go north, you can hire a motorized boat going to Palumbanes Island, 45-minutes boat ride from Caramoran. You can ask the boatman to drop you off at Bitaog Beach, a pristine white sand beach hidden in that island.

Bitaog Beach, Palumbanes Island, Caramoran

And there's another beautiful beach off the coast of Barangay Bote in Bato. This place is achingly beautiful and serene. :)

  

Bote Beach, Bato
Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan

Bote, Bato
Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan

Bote Beach, Bato
Photo Credit: Catanduanes Serbihan

How to get there:

The fastest way to get there is by taking a commercial flight via Cebu Pacific. The flight from Manila to Virac takes only about 55 minutes. Cebu Pacific is flying to Virac four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

Another option, though an arduous one, is by taking a 12-hr bus ride from Manila to Tabaco, Albay. From Tabaco City Port, you can take a ferry boat going to either Virac (4 hours travel time) and San Andres (3 hours travel time). 

San Andres Port

RORO Schedule from Tabaco, Albay to Virac or San Andres, Catanduanes (vice versa)

Point of Origin to Destination	ETD	ETA	Fare
Tabaco Port to Virac Port	6:30 am	10:30 am	Aircon - P320.00 Non-Aircon - P240.00
Virac Port to Tabaco Port	1:00 pm	5:00 pm	Aircon - P320.00 Non-Aircon - P240.00
Tabaco Port to San Andres Port	7:00 am	10:00 am	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
	1:00 pm	4:00 pm	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
San Andres Port to Tabaco Port	8:00 am	11:00 am	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00
	1:00 pm	4:00 pm	Aircon - P290.00 Discounted-Student/Senior Citizen P176.00 Non-Aircon - P220.00

Data from www.catanduanes.gov.ph

Where to stay:

Catanduanes Midtown Inn

Address: San Jose, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27
Website:www.catmidinn.com
Email: info@catmidinn.com

Marem Pension House

Address: Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-18-21
Email: snlandig.eudoramail.com

Kemji Resort and Restaurant

Address: San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com

Rakdell Inn

Address: San Pedro, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-08-81

Twin Rock Beach Resort                         

Address: Igang, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: 639-19-473-78-22/639-21-664-02-45

Majestic Beach Resort

Address: Puraran Baras
Contact No.: 639-15-741-62-77

Puraran Surf Beach Resort

Address: Puraran, Baras
Contact No.: 0915 721 8262

Where to eat

Sea Breeze- Enjoy a smorgasbord of seafood and Filipino dishes on a relaxing set up near the sea. This place is ideal for those wanting a sumptuous dinner.

Address: Salvacion, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: Landline (+6352) 811 06-64

Blossoms Restaurant - A quaint restaurant ideal both for small talks and group meetings.

Address: Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes

Virac Food Hauz

Address: Rizal Avenue, Virac, Catanduanes

Di's Diner

Address: San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: (052) 811-06-33/811-15-27

Kemji Resort and Restaurant

Address: San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes
Contact No.: None
Email: kemjiresortandresto@yahoo.com